Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced its airside operations today with the arrival of its first commercial flight.
From first flight to drone show: How Navi Mumbai International Airport marked its big debut. (Pic source: NMIA)
Marking a major milestone in India’s aviation sector, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) (IATA: NMI; ICAO: VANM) commenced its airside operations today with the arrival of its first commercial flight.
The inaugural arrival, IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru, touched down at 8AM today. Later, the airport’s first departure IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad took off at 08:40AM, completing NMIA’s inaugural arrival and departure cycle.
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#WATCH | Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai International Airport commenced its airside operations on 25 December 2025 with the arrival of its first commercial flight. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival.
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The inaugural arrival, IndiGo flight 6E460 from… pic.x.com/4SCwm28g1U
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2025
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani welcomed passengers after the first commercial flight landed at the airport. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival.
A passenger, Ram Prasad, says, “We came from Bangalore, and we booked this trip specifically to explore the Navi Mumbai airport…. First of all, I thank Mr Adani. He came and welcomed all the passengers. I am very happy. Everything is good.”
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani welcomed passengers as Navi Mumbai International Airport commenced its airside operations today with the arrival of its first commercial flight.
The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival. The… https://t.co/8fBe39fbnu pic.x.com/qVEbaTlgjz
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2025
Located in Navi Mumbai, NMIA is poised to become one of India’s busiest and most important aviation hubs. Strategically positioned to serve the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Western India, the airport is designed to meet the region’s rapidly growing air traffic demands.
NMIA has been built across an area of 1,160 hectares (2,866 acres) to hold a capacity of 90 million passengers per annum (MPPA). In its initial phase, the airport will handle 20 MPPA and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. The overall property will host two parallel runways, modern cargo facilities and advanced terminal buildings.
The airport developed as a greenfield, eco-friendly airport, integrates renewable energy sources and sustainable building practices. Its fluid, futuristic architectural design draws inspiration from the lotus, India’s national flower.
Ahead of the operational launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a grand drone show featuring 1,515 synchronized drones illuminated the night sky. The event, held on the eve of the airport’s commencement of operations.
The drones moved in seamless coordination to create stunning aerial formations, including 3D lotus blooms, lotus-inspired terminal designs, the NMIA logo, a green airport theme, an aircraft flying over Mumbai, and visuals symbolising the rise of India.
| A 1,515-#drone light show lit up the night sky over Navi Mumbai, marking a major milestone ahead of commercial operations at #NMIA and showcasing themes of sustainability, aviation growth, and the airport’s vision as #Mumbai’s second international gateway. #NaviMumbai… pic.x.com/L1dkgEmA2s
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) December 25, 2025
Navi Mumbai International Airport is being developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited. NMIAL is a special purpose vehicle formed for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the greenfield airport project. It is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited. AAHL holds a 74 percent stake, while the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) holds the remaining 26 percent.
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